Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo state
In a recent interview on Arise News, duly monitored by Truth Live News, Honorable Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Hon Osilama Okuofu, sheds light on the significant BRACED commission meeting chaired by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state.
The meeting convened Governors from Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta States, collectively forming the BRACED (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta) Commission. “Essentially, we came up with a communique yesterday,” highlighted Hon Okuofu, emphasizing the pivotal role of the meeting in formulating a crucial communique aimed at promoting socio-economic growth in the region.
During the interview, Hon Okuofu stressed the necessity for increased collaboration among the six states within the BRACED framework, stating, “BRACED is actually interwoven and interlinked in many ways.”
He pointed out the interconnectedness of the region and the potential for leveraging their comparative advantages to foster growth and business opportunities: “What we foresee is strong leadership prowess and vision to better the lot of the people. Use our comparative advantage across the south-south to do business with ourselves, Nigeria, and the world at large.”
Reflecting on the history of BRACED, Hon Okuofu mentioned its inception in 2009 through a summit of governors, with the commission officially coming into existence in 2011. Despite initial challenges such as insufficient funding and wavering political will, there is a renewed commitment to overcoming these obstacles.
The Commissioner shared an anecdote from the Director-General of the commission, illustrating a governor’s dismissive attitude toward financial support for a meeting. This highlighted the broader perspective that success isn’t solely about monetary investment but relies on dedication, commitment, and political will. As he put it, “Sometimes it is not just about the money; it’s about the idea, the commitment, and political will to ensure that succeeds.”
Hon Okuofu stressed the importance of leadership in driving the process, commending Governor Obaseki’s steering of the commission’s revitalization. He emphasized that the governors expressed genuine commitment during the meeting, pledging to work collectively to ensure the region reaches its full potential.
“From what I gleaned yesterday (because I was privileged to be there), the governors spoke from their heart,” noted Okuofu, indicating the sincerity of their commitment. He further expressed optimism about the region’s future, stating, “I believe with his leadership, understanding, and acumen, BRACED would be able to achieve its preset objectives.”
The interview also brought attention to the commonalities among the states, including infrastructure links such as rails and roads, as well as shared natural resources. The need for a unified voice in addressing matters related to federal government requests was highlighted. In this regard, Okuofu mentioned, “We are linked in so many ways: rails, roads, similar natural resources. The need to speak as one on some matters pertaining to requests from the federal government.”
Governor Obaseki, as the current chair of the commission, received commendation for his adept leadership, understanding, and acumen. Hon Okuofu expressed optimism that under Governor Obaseki’s guidance, BRACED would be well-positioned to achieve its predetermined objectives, fostering a new era of cooperation and synergy within the sub-sovereign region.